Evaporative Cooler Wind Deflector

ABSTRACT

The Evaporative Cooler Wind Deflector reduces air flow variations of the pads of a rectangular Evaporative Cooler due to Wind. The Evaporative Cooler cools the air by pulling the air through wetted media. In a typical evaporative cooler the wetted media or “pads” are located on the three or four sides of the cooler. In windy conditions the pads on the windward side will have more airflow due to greater pressure. The Evaporative Cooler Wind Deflector will minimize variations in air flow between the pads. It will also minimize water droplets splashing or blowing from the pads and causing roof discoloration or damage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is an addition to the traditional three or four sided evaporative cooler used for residential and light commercial cooling. While maintaining the cooler it was observed some of the pads had more residue than others indicating those pads had greater airflow and thus more evaporation. Areas where evaporative coolers are popular often have strong prevailing winds and the wind continually blowing from the same direction tends to promote greater evaporation in those pads toward the wind. If some pads are receiving greater evaporation then some are receiving less and therefore are not fully utilizing the capacity of the cooler, or are putting excess loading on those pads toward the wind. The purpose of this invention is to minimize variations in the airflow to the pads due to wind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The wind deflectors consist of formed covers placed over the air inlets redirecting the air intake to a downward direction instead of a horizontal direction. The covers are wedge shaped with an opening on the top and closed on the bottom. The top opening should be even, or nearly even, with the top of the cooler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the deflectors and a typical four sided evaporative cooler.

FIG. 2 shows four deflectors

FIG. 3 shows one side of a typical four sided cooler with deflectors mounted.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the deflectors installed on a four sided evaporative cooler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Evaporative Cooler Wind Deflector 2 is a wedge shaped cover attached to the outside of the air intakes of a traditional rectangular evaporative cooler 1. It is open on the top and attached to the sides and bottom although it may have provisions on the bottom for drainage. The Evaporative Cooler Wind Deflector 2 may be made out of metal, plastic or any other suitable material that can withstand the environmental conditions. The opening on the top should be sufficient to allow airflow without causing excessive restriction. If leaves or other debris is a problem screens can be fitted to the upper openings although this could increase air restriction. 

1. During windy conditions the side(s) of the Evaporative Cooler 1 toward the wind will have greater air flow and therefore less residence time in the pad. This will result in a lower efficiency and less cooling. By having the air intake on top, approximately perpendicular to the wind, air flow variations between pads will be minimized equalizing the residence time in the pads and maximizing efficiency.
 2. The typical three or four sided Evaporative Cooler 1 has the water distribution toward the outside of the cooler pad. As a result of this there are water droplets on the outside of the pad(s) that can drip or be blown off. If the Evaporative Cooler 1 is mounted on the roof the water residue can discolor and stain the roof. The Evaporative Cooler Wind Deflector 2 will shield the pads from the environment minimizing dripping or blowing water droplets and reducing the staining and discoloration of the roof. 